The Core Report
The Core
Every Monday to Saturday, tune in as financial journalist and host Govindraj Ethiraj gives you the latest news in business, economy and technology
Episodes
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Feb 26, 2026 • 29min
#809 Fresh Twist To India-US Tariff Deal
On Episode 809 of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to Kunal Khattar, Founder at AdvantEdge. We also feature an excerpt from Episode 3 of our series “Eye On Retail”.SHOW NOTES(00:00) Stories of the day(01:09) Fresh twist to India-US tariff deal as US Commerce Secretary Lutnick drops by(03:37) Why you have to brace for a warmer March and what that could mean.(04:36) Thousands of companies have filed lawsuits against the US Govt seeking tariff refunds that could touch $130 billion(05:55) How both US and China are ganging up against India’s subsidies for manufacturing(07:17) The Government jumps into ride-hailing business. What does this mean for consumers and drivers?(19:37) CAR revised by DGCA(20:21) India’s Warehousing GrowthRegister for India Finance and Innovation Forum 2026https://tinyurl.com/IFIFCOREEye on Retail, Episode 3: https://youtu.be/xfwUKbBv3cE For more of our coverage check out thecore.inSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter |Instagram |Facebook |Linkedin |Youtube
Feb 26, 2026 • 37min
India’s Warehousing Growth: 533 Million Sq Ft And Rising | Eye On Retail | Govindraj Ethiraj | The Core Report
India’s warehousing growth has crossed 533 million sq ft — and it’s still rising. Behind this surge lies a deeper transformation of India’s logistics sector, supply chain infrastructure, e-commerce ecosystem, industrial real estate market, and manufacturing ambitions.In this episode of Eye On Retail By The Core Report, an initiative supported by Flipkart, Financial Journalist Govindraj Ethiraj in conversation with Yogesh Shevade, Head of Logistics & Industrial in India, JLL and Balbirsingh Khalsa, Executive Director – Industrial Capital Markets, National Director, Knight Frank, decode the forces reshaping India’s logistics and warehousing landscape.As India aims to move from a $4 trillion economy toward a $30 trillion vision, logistics is no longer a backend function — it is a strategic growth engine. Post-GST reforms, institutional investment inflows, multimodal logistics parks (MMLPs), rail freight corridors, quick commerce, Tier 2 and Tier 3 city expansion, and automation are redefining how goods move across the country.For India-based professionals tracking infrastructure development, supply chain optimization, economic reforms, manufacturing growth, private equity investment, real estate capital markets, and e-commerce logistics, this episode offers deep strategic insight.⏱ Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction: Highlights on India’s Logistics Transformation(02:17) The Boom in Tier 2 and Tier 3 Warehousing Ecosystem(06:00) Post-GST Evolution: How Reform Triggered Institutional Investment(09:45) Share of E-commerce in India’s Logistics Sector(11:01) Optimizing the Pie: Transportation Costs, Labour Economics & Efficiency Gaps(17:30) Investment Realities: Land Prices, IRR Expectations, Vacancy Trends & Capital Flows(27:45) Future Infrastructure: The Shift from Road to Rail & Multimodal Logistics Parks(29:50) Path Ahead: Core Challenges and Growth Opportunities in Indian Logistics(33:12) Role of Government in Logistics & Infrastructure Development(35:05) Closing: Policy Synergy, Gati Shakti & India’s Supply Chain FutureThis discussion explores:• How GST transformed India’s supply chain and warehouse strategy• Why transportation contributes nearly 50% of logistics costs• The rapid growth of Tier 2 & Tier 3 warehousing hubs• The rise of quick commerce and 10–15 minute delivery ecosystems• Automation vs labour economics in Indian industrial real estate• Rail vs road freight efficiency and multimodal infrastructure• Land price escalation, IRR expectations, and investment risks• Why manufacturing, exports, and policy reform are critical to India’s next growth phaseThe bigger question:Can India reduce logistics costs from 12–14% of GDP toward global benchmarks?Will rail freight and multimodal parks unlock long-term efficiency?Is Tier 2 India the next supply chain frontier?And how sustainable is the quick commerce model?If you follow the India growth story, economic policy, infrastructure investment, industrial corridors, supply chain strategy, or the future of e-commerce, this episode connects macroeconomic ambition with on-ground execution.Watch till the end for a sharp assessment of the opportunities — and the structural challenges — shaping India’s logistics future.
Feb 25, 2026 • 22min
#808 Stocks Are Back In Unsure Territory
On Episode 808 of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to Ranjeet Mahtani, Partner at Dhruva Advisors as well as Dr Tapan Sahoo, Executive Officer – Digital Enterprise at Maruti Suzuki.SHOW NOTES(00:00) Stories of the day(01:00) Stocks are back in unsure territory(02:43) Indian IT companies are going all out to protect client relationships and stay relevant(03:51) Exporters have one more duty to worry about and this time it as at home(12:21) How Maruti leans on India’s innovation ecosystem to drive technology changesRegister for India Finance and Innovation Forum 2026https://tinyurl.com/IFIFCOREFor more of our coverage check out thecore.inSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter |Instagram |Facebook |Linkedin |Youtube
Feb 24, 2026 • 27min
#807 Markets Take A Fresh AI Hit
On Episode 807 of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to Noshir Kaka, Senior Partner at Mckinsey as well as Akhilesh Tuteja, Partner & National Leader, Clients and Markets at KPMG in India on the sidelines of the Nasscom Technology and Leadership Forum 2026.SHOW NOTES(00:00) Stories of the day(01:00) The IT services industry could grow to $315 billion this year, up 6% says Nasscom.(03:09) Markets take a fresh AI hit(05:43) Where India’s next big IPOs could come from?(07:48) The addressable market for Indian IT services companies is actually larger with AI and close to $17 trillion. Can they capture it?Register for India Finance and Innovation Forum 2026https://tinyurl.com/IFIFCOREFor more of our coverage check out thecore.inSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter |Instagram |Facebook |Linkedin |Youtube
Feb 23, 2026 • 18min
#806 Trade Chaos Sweeps The World But India Is Shielded For Now
Jairaj Purandare, founder-chairman of JMP Advisors and tax expert, breaks down changes in international tax treaties. He highlights a new France-India tax protocol, shifting capital gains rules, and how treaty tweaks affect multinational listings and investment flows. Short, sharp takes on trade shocks, repatriation via secondary sales, and India’s evolving tax strategy.
Feb 22, 2026 • 31min
#805 Why Markets Could Be Set For An Optimistic Start This Week
On Episode 805 of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to Garima Kapoor, Economist and Deputy Head of Research at Elara Securities as well as Rahul Jain, President & Head at Nuvama Wealth Management.SHOW NOTES(00:00) The Take(07:05) Why markets could be set for an optimistic start this week.(09:32) Brazil and India sign key mining deals but the former would like the latter to buy more chicken as well(10:45) Understanding India’s competitive advantages with competing countries in light of the latest round of US tariffs(16:23) Why self constraint is important for investors, large and small and how it can play out in the markets this yearRegister for India Finance and Innovation Forum 2026https://tinyurl.com/IFIFCOREFor more of our coverage check out thecore.inSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter |Instagram |Facebook |Linkedin |Youtube
Feb 21, 2026 • 21min
#804 US Supreme Court Reverses Trump Tariffs: Impact on India
On February 20, 2026, the US Supreme Court delivered a landmark 6-3 verdict, ruling that the President lacks the authority to impose reciprocal tariffs under the IEEPA. This decision effectively resets the trade landscape between India and the United States.In this special edition of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks with Ajay Srivastava (Founder, GTRI) and Krishan Arora (Partner, Grant Thornton Bharat) to analyse the fallout.(00:00) Introduction(01:54) Current Status India Export Tariffs(02:48) Trump Introduces New Global Surcharge(04:10) Legal Limits On Presidential Authority(05:58) Potential $175 Billion Tariff Refunds(07:15) Legal Challenges To Refund Claims(10:25) Restoring WTO Trade Principles(12:10) Impacts On Steel And Electronics(14:09) Questioning Future Trade Deal Logic(18:18) Lessons From US Institutional Strength(20:09) Impact On China Trade RelationsFor more of our coverage check out thecore.inSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter |Instagram |Facebook |Linkedin |Youtube
Feb 19, 2026 • 31min
#803 Fears of Imminent Attack by the US on Iran Bring Down Markets
On Episode 803 of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to Priyanka Kishore, Director and Principal Economist at Asia Decoded as well as Rahul JainDirector/VP – Research at Dolat Capital.SHOW NOTES(00:00) Stories of the Day(00:50) India brings on stage the world’s biggest technology companies and disruptors with rivalry on full display(04:48) Fears of Imminent Attack by the US on Iran Bring Down Markets(06:00) Status Check on IT Stocks(11:46) Guess which city in India has the largest homes?(13:44) Why the recently signed FTAs by India are just the beginning of much hard work ahead(25:05) More countries are gearing to ban social media for teens, this could affect business models too(29:11) FeedbackRegister for India Finance and Innovation Forum 2026https://tinyurl.com/IFIFCOREFor more of our coverage check out thecore.inSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter |Instagram |Facebook |Linkedin |Youtube
Feb 18, 2026 • 23min
#802 Are Slowing IPOs Restoring Sanity In The Markets?
On Episode 802 of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to Akhil Chandna, Partner – Global People Solutions Leader at Grant Thornton Bharat.SHOW NOTES(00:00) Stories of the Day(00:41) Are slowing IPOs restoring sanity in the markets?(04:39) Google to build new fibre-optic cables into India(06:23) Maruti finally launches a new electric car(07:01) Guess what adults and kids in India are buying up like there is no tomorrow(09:17) New labour code comes into effect this NovemberRegister for India Finance and Innovation Forum 2026https://tinyurl.com/IFIFCOREFor more of our coverage check out thecore.inSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter |Instagram |Facebook |Linkedin |Youtube
Feb 17, 2026 • 27min
#801 Why Markets Are Seeing A Shift In Temperatures
On Episode 801 of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to Chokkalingam G, Founder of Equinomics Research Pvt Ltd. We also feature an excerpt from Nandan Nilekani’s recent presentation at Infosys AI Day.SHOW NOTES(00:00) The Take(04:50) Brokerages take note of earnings, recent developments to turn optimistic on markets.(07:17) Why markets are seeing a shift in temperatures(13:32) Infosys bowls a Googly with Anthropic tie-up, argues for importance of IT Services businesses.(24:34) India is looking at $200 billion AI investments.Register for India Finance and Innovation Forum 2026https://tinyurl.com/IFIFCOREFor more of our coverage check out thecore.inSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter |Instagram |Facebook |Linkedin |Youtube
